Italy go 3-5-2 in Bulgaria?

Cesare Prandelli is expected to revive the 3-5-2 system in Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria, using Sebstian Giovinco and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo together.

Cesare Prandelli is expected to revive the 3-5-2 system in Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria, using Sebstian Giovinco and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo together.

The Coach had tested this tactic before Euro 2012, but abandoned it in favour of the four-man defence for most of the tournament.

According to the rumours around the Coverciano training ground, Prandelli looks set to try again on Friday against Bulgaria in Sofia.

He already tried out the Azzurri line-up during training this week, with Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Angelo Ogbonna in defence.

Cristian Maggio and Emanuele Giaccherini take the wide roles around Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Nocerino.

A brand new front pairing of Giovinco and Roma striker Osvaldo sets the scene for a post-Euro 2012 Italy.

Daniele De Rossi and Giampaolo Pazzini are likely to be rested due to their ankle and knee injuries, but could feature against Malta next Tuesday.

Italy probable against Bulgaria: Buffon; Ogbonna, Barzagli, Bonucci;Maggio, Pirlo, Nocerino, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Giovinco, Osvaldo